COX Nature Exchange

The COX Nature Exchange is a unique learning environment that relies on the personal "trading" of found natural items and information about them, to motivate interest and understanding. It effectively raises awareness of key issues in the natural world around us and, through personal interaction, changes attitudes and behavior.  In searching for things to collect and trade, individuals learn to observe, ask questions and to think independently.

Please note: Tulsa Zoo, city and national park treasures are NOT allowed for trade! These items are protected items by law.

You can trade immediately or bank your points as you save to trade for a really rare treasure. Use your own resources, school, library or internet to learn even more about your item. You’re also welcome to use the resources at Nature Exchange.

COX Nature Exchange Hours:

Thursday & Friday (12pm - 5pm)
Saturday & Sunday (10am - 5pm)

How does the COX Nature Exchange work? Easy as 1, 2, 3…

1. Bring it in and share
Visitors bring their natural collected items into the Nature Exchange. Trained staff initiates a discussion with the collector.

2. The Exchange
"Points" are awarded by staff member based upon a series of criteria, including: knowledge, uniqueness, quality.

Below is a list of some commonly traded items:

• Polished stones 
• Clam shell
• Giant water bug
• Pressed plant
• Pine cones
• Fossils
• Rocks
• Botanical specimens

3. Trader’s Account
"Points" never expire and can be used immediately or banked in the Nature Exchange’s trading data bank and used for future.  Points accumulated have no dollar value.

Keep in mind before your next COX Nature Exchange visit:

• Be certain not to bring any items that are very rare or protected by law.
• Please leave all bird-related artifacts where they are. No feathers, nests, eggs, or bird bones can be accepted at the Nature Exchange. Consider taking a photograph, or even better, writing in a nature journal about the bird artifacts you encounter. We would love to see your journal, and you can earn points that way while leaving the birds, their homes, and their remains where you found them. All bird homes and bird artifacts are protected by law.
• The COX Nature Exchange cannot trade cultural artifacts. Please leave any cultural artifacts such as arrowheads or pottery fragments right where you found them.
• Botanical objects should be collected sparingly. If you find a plant you would like to share with us, bring just a single leaf or a leaf and a fruit or flower. Never uproot an entire plant! Bonus points can be earned by pressing your plant properly before bringing it to the Exchange.

COX Nature Exchange exploration programs are also fun ways to learn more about nature! Click here for program information on our upcoming Spring Break Camps.

For more information, call (918) 669-6642 or natureexchange@tulsazoo.org